Obituary of Jean Kennedy Cartwright

Jean was born to George and Jessie Kennedy, at home on the family farm in Dunrobin, Ontario, the second of four children.

 

After graduating high school Jean obtained her nursing diploma from the Ottawa Civic Hospital toward the end of WWII. Her nursing career brought her to Invermere BC, to work at the Lady Elizabeth Bruce Hospital at the request of Dr. Tripp. It was while working there that she met her husband, Gil Cartwright. They married in 1948 and spent the next 20 years in Canal Flats where Gil was stationed as Forest Ranger and where they raised their 5 children.

 

Jean went back to work part-time as an R.N. in 1965 at Invermere & District Hospital, and then full time when she and Gil moved back to Invermere in 1972.  She retired from her nursing career in 1980. After Gil died in 1999, Jean moved to Cranbrook BC to be nearer to some of her children. She lived in her own home in Cranbrook for 20 years until she moved into a care home at the age of 99, where she resided until her death.

 

When not working or volunteering her time to community and children's activities, Jean and Gil made time to socialize, play some sports and Jean could always throw together a scrumptious meal when Gil unexpectedly brought home his boss or some other colleague.

 Jeans’s volunteering continued after their move to Invermere - taking on work for the church and the thrift shop as well as caring for her father-in-law.

 

Jean and Gil spent a lot of their time outdoors: exploring locally, hiking and travelling. They dedicated a vast majority of the summer months to caring for their expansive lawns and gardens from which they shared the bounty with family and friends.

 Jean had an amazing ability to keep plants alive, where others failed, although she was not sentimental and would send a plant to the compost if it didn’t perform as expected.

 

At age 94 Jean gave up her driver’s license and learned how to use taxis and the Handi-Dart bus. She continued to be active with family and friends, visiting, shopping, gardening, knitting, attending church and ACW meetings and hosting family gatherings. Jean’s children and grandchildren have fond memories of her famous roast beef dinners which somehow came together seamlessly in the midst of the noise and confusion of large groups of people.

 

She was the center of the family - keeper of knowledge and statistics - the person one would go to for help or information. She did not always dispense advice but could shed light on a problem or give clarity to a divisive issue.

 

 

She taught us how to live.

She was a great example of strength and kindness, generosity, common sense and sharp wit.

We will miss her immensely.

 

 

 

Jean was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Gilbert Cartwright, sisters: Lois (Jim) Whiting and Helen (Cym) Williams, her brother George Kennedy, grandson Alastair Cartwright and grandson-in-law, Kurtis Johnson.

 

She is survived by her children Alan (Alison) Cartwright, Colin (Kathy) Cartwright, Debbie (Bob) Cavallin, Carol (Jack) Bérubé and Marion (Chris) Quennell, as well as 13 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Ruth Kennedy and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

We would like to thank everyone who shared their kindness with Jean.

 

A Celebration of Life for Jean will take place Friday June 21, 2024 at 11am at Christ Church Anglican in Cranbrook. A Private family Interment will take place at the Invermere Cemetery.